barbary lion size compared with african lion

Barbary Lion Size Explained & Compared With Others

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Amin Tawar

Barbary Lion Height & Length

Barbary Lion Size

Barbary lions were once native to North Africa, including the Atlas Mountains but are now extinct in the wild. They’re one of the largest lion subspecies. 

This big cat measures one meter in height at the shoulder and up to three and a half meters in length. They are exceptionally large and massive.

In specifics, Male Barbary lions were said to be about 2.7 to 3.1 meters (8 ft 10 in to 10 ft 2 in) long and females were about 2.1 to 2.7 meters (6 ft 11 in to 8 ft 10 in) long. 

HeightFootMeters
Male Length8 ft 10 in to 10 ft 2 in2.7 to 3.1 meters
Female Length6 ft 11 in to 8 ft 10 in2.1 to 2.7 meters
Height2.6-3.2 ft0.9-1.0 meters

Barbary Lion Weight

As mentioned previously, the Barbary lion is one of the largest lion subspecies. This big cat can measure an average weight of up to 230 kilograms/507 lbs. 

Although judging by their body size and skull dimensions, Barbary lions probably weighed up to 200 kg/440 lbs (and much less on average, probably between 160-170 kg) although there is the possibility of some exceptional specimens of probably up to 230 kg like the East African lions

Specifically, males weigh between 400-650 lbs (181 to 295 kg) and females 270-400 lbs (120 to 181 kg). 

However, more recent research suggests that it is only slightly larger than the modern African lion, which weighs approximately 420 lbs on average.1

Weight PoundsKilograms
Male 400-650 lbs181 to 295 kg
Female 270-400 lbs120 to 181 kg

Barbary Lion Claw Size

Lions have retractable claws. They can grow up to 38 millimeters in length and are very strong and sharp.

A lion’s paws are quite similar to a pet cat’s but much larger and more powerful. They have five toes on the front paws and four on the back. Additionally, a lion’s paw print can help to estimate its age and also if it is a male or female, as generally, males have bigger paws than females.

Baby Barbary Lion Size 

As we discussed, the barbary lion has a huge and massive stature. Consequently, their cub sizes are also quite large compared to other breeds of lions. 

However, at the time of birth, these cubs weigh only about 3 to 4 pounds to reach a huge mass of more than 400 pounds.

There’s limited information and studies about the cub size of a Barbary lion throughout its growth to maturity. 

However, we can predict it to reach half of their mother’s height or about their shoulder by the age of 12 months. 

Barbary Lion Size Vs Siberian Tiger Size

Barbary Lion Size Compared with Tiger

Both Barbary lions and Siberian tigers are well known for their majestic appearance. They are regarded as courageous and powerful. This rivalry often sparks curiosity within people regarding their sizes. 

So as we mentioned before, Barbary lions weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (181 and 272 kilograms) with a length of approx 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and a shoulder height of 3.2 feet (1 meter). 

On the other hand, Siberian tigers weigh about 340 pounds with a body length of approx 11 feet and a shoulder height of 1 meters.

Therefore, with the given specifics we can conclude that Siberian tigers are quite comparable in size to Barbary lions. But also smaller than them on some grounds.

SizeBarbary lion Siberian tiger
Weight400 to 600 pounds340 pounds 
HeightLength: 11.5 Feet
Height: 3.2 Feet
Length: 11 Feet
Height: upto 3.2 feet

Barbary Lion Vs Bengal Tiger Size Comparison

As we know, Bengal tigers are one of the largest subspecies of wild tigers. With an average length of about 3 meters from head to tail, their shoulder height is 1 meter, and the standard weight is between 200 to 260 kg (440-570 lbs).

On the other hand, Barbary lions weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (181 and 272 kilograms) with a length of approx 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and a shoulder height of 3.2 feet (1 meter).

Therefore, we can conclude that Barbary lions were approximately the same size as the Bengal tigers. However, at their maximum weight, they could be a lot more massive than Bengal tigers.

SizeBarbary lion Bengal tiger
Weight400 to 600 pounds200 to 260 kg 
HeightLength: 11.5 FeetHeight: 3.2 FeetLength: 3 Meters Height: upto 3.2 feet 

Barbary Lion Vs American Lion Size Comparison

Both Barbary lions and American lions are known to be fierce, strong, and powerful predators. The American lions have an average height of 4 feet at the shoulder and an average length of about 8 feet, weighing over 500 pounds. 

On the other hand, Barbary lions weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (181 and 272 kilograms) with a length of approx 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and a shoulder height of 3.2 feet (1 meter).

Therefore, we can conclude that Barbary lions are similar in size to American lions. However, American lions are smaller in terms of length. 

SizeBarbary lion American lion
Weight400 to 600 pounds500 pounds
HeightLength: 11.5 FeetHeight: 3.2 FeetHeight: 4 Feet Length: 8 Feet

Barbary Lion Size Compared To Human

Barbary Lion Size Compared with Human

As mentioned previously Barbary lions are massive in size, it is almost unnecessary to compare them to us. As a human might seem diminutive in front of it. 

However, to estimate how they would look side by side to us we need to make a comparison. 

The average human being weighs around 110 to 154 lbs (50-70 kgs) with a height of 159.5 cm (5 ft 2.8 in) – 171 cm (5 ft 7.3 in). 

On the other hand, Barbary lions weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (181 and 272 kilograms) with a length of approx 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and a shoulder height of 3.2 feet (1 meter). 

With the comparison, it is clear that Barbary lions are gigantic and huge in comparison to the average human being.

Barbary Lion Vs African Lion Size Comparison

Barbary Lion Size Compared with African Lion

Both the Barbary lion and the African lion are comparably the same. They are often known to be synonyms in the names. 

In specifics, the African lion grows to lengths of 10 feet (3 meters) and has a 2 to 3-foot (60 to 91-centimeter) tail. They weigh between 330 to 550 pounds. 

On the other hand, Barbary lions weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (181 and 272 kilograms) with a length of approx 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and a shoulder height of 3.2 feet (1 meter). 

In comparison, we can say that Barbary lions can be comparable to African lions. However, in some instances, Barbary lions can weigh much more than African lions and also be longer. 

SizeBarbary lion African lion
Weight400 to 600 pounds330 to 550 pounds
HeightLength: 11.5 Feet
Height: 3.2 Feet
Length: 10 Feet
Height: 2-3 Foot 

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of Barbary Lion. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You for Reading!

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